Zachary Levi and Jim Sturgess are battling it out before the holidays to win the lead role in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy

Zachary Levi and Jim Sturgess must battle to the death for the lead role of Peter Quill in James Gunn's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. Okay, maybe they aren't battling to the death, but they are going head to head for the role. Who will be the best? According to Variety's sources, Levi may have the edge.

Since he's filled the shoes of Fandral, one of the Warriors Three in THOR: THE DARK WORLD, Marvel thinks that the actor has a lot of potential to hold his own as the lead. Sturgess has already lead the way in films like ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and 21, take that for whatever. I like both guys, but think that Levi might be a better fit.

Here's a little background on the character: Better known as Star-Lord, Quill is the son of a human mother and alien father. A charming troublemaker who serves as an interplanetary policeman, Quill leads a rag-tag group of superheroes (Drax the Destroyer, a raccoon named Rocket and a sword-wielding woman named Gamora) in an effort to protect the solar system from an evil alien race.

Before we settle on one of these guys playing the role, take note that Variety's sources claim that it is possible that a third unnamed actor may test as well. Will it be one of Gunn's familiars? No clue. I guess we will find out sometime after the New Year.